When comparing the intestinal flora of healthy people and people with prediabetes, significant differences have now been found that appear to be related to altered metabolic and physiological reactions. This suggests an opportunity to prevent the development of diabetes through proper nutrition.
A new study involving experts from Tzu Chi University in Taiwan examined the composition of the intestinal flora of people with prediabetes and how it differs from the intestinal flora of healthy people. The results are published in the specialist journal “Nutrients”.
What does prediabetes have to do with intestinal flora?
It is already known that there is a connection between intestinal flora, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in people with diabetes. However, there was a lack of information about whether a similar connection also exists with prediabetes, the researchers report.
In order to analyze what differences there are in the intestinal flora of people with prediabetes compared to healthy people, the team examined a total of 57 people with prediabetes and an additional 60 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 65.
The experts collected biochemical data, stool samples and records of the participants’ diet. In addition, the connection between the intestinal flora and the participants’ eating habits was analyzed.
Changed composition of the intestinal flora
It was found that participants with prediabetes generally had significantly lower microbial diversity than healthy people. According to the researchers, nine bacterial genera were less common in people with diabetes, while 14 other genera of bacteria were more common.
However, participants with prediabetes who ate a low-carbohydrate diet had greater diversity in intestinal flora than participants who ate a high-carb diet.
Participants with prediabetes who ate a low-carbohydrate diet had increased levels of the bacterial genus Coprococcus. These bacteria play a role not only in digestion, but also in intestinal health.
The researchers add that the results show clear differences in the intestinal flora of healthy people and people with prediabetes. According to the experts, these differences are also reflected in significantly different physiological and metabolic reactions.
Also read:
- Prediabetes: Understanding the risks of prediabetes and preventing its progression
- How to detect and reverse prediabetes
- Prediabetes: Reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes with this diet
If you have prediabetes, eat a diet rich in fiber
A balanced intake of appropriate nutrients and a diet rich in fiber can help maintain normal physiological metabolism and the diversity of intestinal bacteria, the experts add.
Overall, the results of the study suggest that improving intestinal flora through proper nutrition could prevent the onset of diabetes by maintaining normal physiological metabolism. (as)
